Black lives honored at emotional BET Awards
The Black Lives Matter movement took center stage at this year's BET awards as artists used their performances to highlight black power, suffering, and the global movement sparked by George Floyd’s death.
The BET or Black Entertainment Television awards [bet.com] celebrates black excellence throughout the media, and this year featured a mix of pre-recorded performances and virtual appearances.
Former U.S. first lady Michelle Obama presented Beyonce with the humanitarian award for her charitable initiatives. While accepting, she urged the Black community to use its vote in the upcoming U.S. elections.
"Now we have one more thing we need to do to walk in our true power, and that is to vote. I'm encouraging you to continue to take action. Continue to change and dismantle a racist and unequal system."
A remixed version of the 1989 hit "Fight the Power" by New York rap group Public Enemy opened the show decorated with photos of this month’s street protests.
Rapper Da Baby performed ‘Rockstar’ lying on the ground under the knee of a police officer, recreating the arrest and death of George Floyd.
John Legend played his ballad, "We Will Never Break," and Alicia Keys sang an emotional new song, "Perfect Way to Die," about Black lives lost over the decades.
Awards went to Roddy Ricch who won album of the year for "Please Excuse Me for Being Anti-Social," Megan Thee Stallion for best female hip-hop artist, and Lizzo was named best female R&B/pop artist.
The awards show was broadcast live for the first time in its 20-year history on America's mainstream CBS channel.
It featured commercials from the likes of Coca-Cola, Ford, and Facebook that both celebrated the achievements of Black people and highlighted the challenges they face.
